Goodbyes

Goodbyes are an unavoidable part of life that I truly wish I could avoid. It is an unrealistic attitude to think how incredible it would be to have your circle of acquaintances that stayed within feasible range for one's entire lifetime. Of course, if that were the case ... we would miss out on so many wonderful new adventures, opportunities and beautiful friendships from across the globe; and we would most likely become stagnant and not even recognize it. So goodbyes are inevitable, painful though they are, and imperative to help us grow. They enable us to recognize our sometimes lack of appreciation for those we cherish most in our lives. They help us face emotions we often attempt to safely tuck away in the deepest recesses of our hearts, and they help us grow as individuals.

In the last few months, I bade farewell to my eldest when he left to go overseas for a 3-month tour. I bade farewell to my daughter after she spent Spring Break with her brother and me before he left to boot camp. I bade farewell to my middle child as he left for camp. My final farewell (hopefully) for some time comes as my good friend leaves to return London after a 3-week stay during which time he offered encouraging emotional support as daughter and son went on their journeys.

The only thing I know for certain at this moment in time is that these special people have all touched my life in special ways. Each of them have their own lives apart from me, but I carry them in my heart always as I do several dear friends and family members. We sleep under the same stars at night and have the blessing of knowing God has us all covered with his protective umbrella.

Since He's Been Gone

Day 3 since I have seen my little (big) Navy recruit. I can't say I'm terribly impressed with the Navy at this point as his recruiter picked him up only to return approximately a minute later to retrieve son's high school transcript and GED certificate (which we couldn't find in the midst of dealing with our goobyes). This was truly strange as the documents were required before son could even enlist. Then son called later that evening from the motel to ask me to search for the GED certificate and to contact said recruiter once I found it to arrange delivery of the document. This portion worked out as the documents were evidently not needed and son safely departed Monday afternoon to the great state of Illinois for 6 weeks.

Fortunately son phoned me just before boarding the plane so we were able to say quick farewells once again. I say "fortunately" because although his DEP (Delayed Entry Program) handbook told tales of a 15-minute collect phone call upon arrival to Great Lakes ... I have not heard from him since. I did read several posts from parents on the Navy.com site that several recruits do not receive this promised privilege. Others do ... wouldn't you know my son would be one who would not.

Alas, despite the emotional battle mom is enduring ... I know it is best for my precious son. I have seen such growth in my eldest since his entry into the Air Force, and I expect the same from this son. God bless the U.S.A., the soldiers who fight to keep our country free, but most of all ... God bless my little soldiers who will always be my babies.

The Countdown

Well, the countdown is drawing to an end as my middle child prepares to embark on his first adult journey. He has joined the Navy and will be leaving for boot camp in a little more than a week. I decided this would be a good time to start blogging as a dear friend blogs on a regular basis, and it appears to be a good outlet for him to express himself.

So what are my thoughts now about this decision of his? My eldest has been in the Air Force for about 3 years now, and it has done wonderful things to help him become a responsible adult. This child has had much drama in his life, and this is something he had to battle to achieve. So while I know I will miss him greatly as we are very close ... I know it will be the key to his success in life. Even if he chooses not to make a lifetime career of it, he will have the joy of seeing the world from an entirely different perspective and travel to countries I have only dreamed about. He will be on his own yet still living in a structured environment as he grows. Life will be good for him. It is exciting to see him look forward to something positive.

We'll see how I feel after he departs ...